Letter to Parents: 17.04.2020

17 April 2020
Dear Parents
We have come to the end of the first (short) week of remote learning and I must thank you all for your patience with the technology and your commitment to carrying out all the learning we have set for your children.
We are reviewing where we are this weekend and working out how to make the experience the best it can be for your children – and for you, when we know that many of you are working full-time and well as trying to support your children in learning.
The first decision we have come to is that your children need time to chat.  Some lessons start with a general catch-up between the children and proves their need for interaction.  I have no doubt that they are using Skype and phone conversations but they are used to interacting with each other at school, so we need to do something to replace that each day. 
At 08.45 each morning, Teams will be open for class chat time.  Form teachers will be able to pop in and out of these sessions but will not be monitoring all the time.  Please make sure your children know that we can review all conversations – and will do if necessary.  This is a place for social chat and positivity.
There is also a need to ensure that the conscientious children don’t get overwhelmed.  Some children are naturally compliant and want to complete every task set, whilst others don’t feel the same compulsion.  We have therefore decided to prioritise tasks, with a 5* rating meaning this must be completed (usually maths and English tasks) and a graduated scale suggesting how important the task might be to a group of children.  This is guidance and if you feel that your child needs a little space, you may suggest that they ask their form teacher, who will co-ordinate these decisions in association with subject teachers.
Please do look at the learning website regularly.  We are updating it with topics of interest and items which might amuse the children so it’s worth exploring from time to time.
In the (inevitable) absence of one of our team, Religious Studies will be based on my assemblies each week.  As teachers and their families are affected by the Covid19 crisis, there may be changes to the staff providing support for your child.  However, we are a remarkably flexible team and, between us, can deliver teaching across the curriculum (you may well be surprised at which of us has which talents!)
I hope that you are all safe and well.  Do keep in touch with us all and let us know if there is any way we can help you make the best of this unusual circumstance.
Your sincerely
Mrs Mann